…say she deserves to be heard
Following the continuous saga involving the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio and his brothers wife; Pat, Akwa Ibom women residing outside Nigeria have risen in defense of the latter, saying she also deserves to be heard.
Acting under the aegis of Akwa Ibom Women in the Diaspora for Justice, the group wondered why she’s treated as though she “… suddenly appeared from nowhere…”.
See details of the statement below:
AKWA IBOM WOMEN IN THE DIASPORA FOR JUSTICE
Press Statement
Let Us Not Forget That Pat Akpabio Is Someone’s Child
In the flurry of public outcry and community condemnations surrounding Pat Akpabio’s recent statements, perhaps it’s time we take a step back not just to breathe, but to think.
First, let us remember that Pat Akpabio is someone’s child. She was not dropped from the sky, nor plucked from an Ukana tree. She belongs to a family, a people, a place, just like each of us. To treat her as if she suddenly appeared from nowhere, without roots, voice, or rights, is not only unjust, it is deeply inhuman.
This is not a stranger speaking. This is a young woman who has been inside the very circle many are now defending. If she raises concerns, we must not be so quick to silence her. Truth, even when uncomfortable, does not stop being truth because it comes from the mouth of a woman, or a younger person.
Let us also remember that the Senate President of Nigeria, before rising to this national prominence, was Governor of Akwa Ibom State. Under his watch, many lives were lost. We were told it was “Ibibio against Ibibio” but we also know that the responsibility of a Governor is to protect all lives, regardless of ethnic leaning. The buck stopped at his desk then, just as it does now.
So, where exactly is Pat Akpabio wrong? For pointing out that the preferential empowerment of one ethnic group over others is divisive? For reminding us of his infamous words, that by the time he’s done, “Ibibio will be an insignificant minority”? Did we forget these things, or do we simply choose to forget when it’s convenient?
Now, let’s look at the present. A young woman voices her concern, and suddenly there are paid protests, elders mobilized, police involved, and clan heads summoned. All this, against one woman. What kind of power does she wield that would require such overwhelming response? Or is this an attempt at suppression disguised as public outrage?
And to the clan head of Ikono, respectfully, when a child is brought before you in accusation, is it not tradition and wisdom to say, “Let me first hear from my child”? The role of a father, even more so that of a clan head, is to protect and to mediate, not to condemn without hearing. In this, Papa, we hope you reflect deeply.
To the police and other state agents, why this heavy-handedness in a matter that is personal and political, not criminal? Since when did expressing pain or truth become a threat to national peace? If wrong has been done, is the legal system not available to all citizens, including the Senate President himself?
It is troubling when the machinery of power is used not for justice, but to intimidate and silence. And yet, despite it all, Pat Akpabio remains unbowed. A young woman standing alone, yet able to shake the very pillars of power. That alone should give us pause.
At the very least, we owe her what we owe every Nigerian, a fair hearing, a measure of respect, and the right to speak her truth.
After all, Pat Akpabio is someone’s child and she has every right to be heard.
Signed:
Mfon Umana
Michigan
EdoAbasi Japheth
Georgia
Glory Uwah
Tennessee
Inyeneobong Phils
Maryland
Maria George
Virgin island
Danielle Affiah
Ohio
